Reviewed OSHAs most cited work rule violations, falls are still # 1, ladders #7, electrical is # 9 for wire methods and #10 general requirements.

Discussed Pres. Trump mandate to cut 2 existing regulations for every new one. How will it affect safety? Trump will target 228 standards, rules, regulations. Most will be removed through the Congressional Review Act (CRA).

CRA’s are being used for the following: (As of 3/29/2017) Fair Wage & Safe Workplaces – President Signed 3/27/17
Executive Order placed requirement on employers to report
Labor Law dealing with wages & OSHA violations for the
prior 3 years bidding on Federal Contracts over $500,000

Reporting & Record Keeping OSHA Standard – Waiting Signature
In response to a DC Court ruling (Volks) which limited
OSHA’s ability to cite employers for violations older than 6
months. The new standard gave OSHA to ability to go back 5 years
to cite and issue fines for safety violations related to
injuries, illnesses and deaths.

Budget cuts to OSHA will affect worker safety.

Concerns about worker health from using Beryllium-Copper alloys widely used in the industry. Little is known on the health effects. Final rule is in process for exposure levels by workers. Most common in sand blasting. Must use engineering controls.

New tool box talks available. Topics address Focus Four topics on How to Conduct a Tool Box Talk, Struck-by, Head Protection, Working Around Equipment, Roadway Fatalities, and Falling Object. Contact Gary Beckstrand if you are interested in a copy. These should be posted on IBEW LU 354 website.

OSHA outlines specific rights an employee has during an OSHA inspection. Some of these rights are a safe and healthful workplace, know about hazardous chemicals, injury and illness reports, correction measures by employer, training, file an OSHA complaint, participate in an OSHA inspection, be free from employer retaliation for exercising safety and health rights.

OSHA Complaint Process. During the conference a wonderful class was conducted on the OSHA complaint process. Some of the highlights were:

Employees should try to resolve safety and health issues with employers by first reporting them to supervisors, safety people, etc.

Employees can complain to the local OHSA office at any time.

Include hazards that are ongoing within 6 months’ period, beyond six months cannot be reported.

Discrimination complaints must be filed within 30 days.

Workers can file a complaint with OSHA when work conditions are unsafe or unhealthy, believe a violation exists of the OSH Act, or imminent dangerous situation exists in the workplace.

Anyone who knows of a workplace safety or health hazard may report unsafe conditions.

Employees must file the complaint and request an OHSA inspection. You have the right to withhold your name.

Other individuals can file an OSHA complaint like former employees, concerned individuals, bona fide representatives (union leaders), government officials, and others.

File complaint with local OSHA office (use form “OSHA -7 Complaint Form) or online at www.OSHA.gov then “For Workers” tab, then file a complaint tab.

On a personal note. I was privileged to receive the highest award given by the National Safety Council to a safety professional, the Edward Eagan Soldier of Safety Award. This award is given to a Division member who embodies the ideals and guidance that Edward Eagan practiced every day in the promotion of safety and health for the American worker. Edward Eagan was part of IBEW LU 103 and served as a highly-regarded labor liaison with OSHA. He passed away in 1997. It is an honor and privilege to represent IBEW LU 354 in standing up for worker safety. I am humbled to be a recipient of this prestigious award.